Principal's Report

Dear St. Cecilia's Community,

What a tremendous start we have made to the year.

Thank you to our parents and staff for the positive tone you have set from day one. You can feel it in the playground each morning. You see it in classrooms. You hear it in the way families speak about our school in the community.

The traditions that sit at the heart of St Cecilia’s continue to shine. They matter. They give our children a sense of belonging and purpose. At the same time, it has been wonderful to see our new families step confidently into the life of the school. Your involvement brings fresh energy and new perspectives. This blend of long standing commitment and new enthusiasm keeps a school vibrant. It keeps us relevant. It keeps us moving forward with clarity and confidence.

At the centre of all we do is our faith. It shapes our relationships. It guides our decisions. It reminds us that every child is known, valued and loved. Our prayer, our RE program and our connection to parish life are not add ons. They give our work meaning and help our children understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

We are also deeply committed to the vision of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools and the shared commitment to flourishing learners through the 2030 goals. This is not simply a strategic statement. It is a clear direction for our work. We want every child at St Cecilia’s to grow academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. We are intentional in aligning our planning, professional learning and resource investment with this vision so that our students leave us confident, capable and hopeful about their future.

As you will now know, we are so fortunate to have an exceptional staff. They are skilled, dedicated and deeply invested in your children. They work tirelessly to create calm, purposeful classrooms where every student can grow.

Our enrolments are the strongest they have ever been. In fact, our school is the fullest it has been in its history. That does not happen by chance. It reflects the trust families place in us and the quality of the education and care provided each day.

Our Year 6 leaders have also set an outstanding example. The way they are working with their Foundation buddies has been a joy to watch. They are patient, kind and proud of their responsibility. They understand that leadership is about service. They are modelling exactly what we hope every student carries with them beyond St Cecilia’s.

We are not standing still. We have clear plans for the future. Work continues on our masterplan. We are preparing for further landscaping improvements to enhance our outdoor spaces. We are planning a library enhancement to strengthen reading culture and access to quality literature. We continue to invest in resources across literacy, numeracy and technology to ensure our students are well equipped for the world they are entering.

Importantly, we will continue to work closely with our families. We will listen carefully. We will seek to understand. Where improvements are needed, we will make them. Where adjustments are required, we will act. Strong schools are built on partnership, trust and open communication. That remains a priority for us.

There is a strong sense of shared purpose across our community. When committed staff, supportive families and eager students work together towards a common goal, great things happen.

Thank you for the part you play. It has been a wonderful beginning. We are excited about what lies ahead.

Foundation Enrolment 2027 for Siblings

This note is simply a check in to see that we have accurate numbers of siblings that are intending to commence Foundation next year at St. Cecilia's. We have commenced tours for new families and with Open Day approaching, we want to be aware that a sibling will be commencing but have not yet submitted an enrolment form. 

If you intend to enrol a child in Foundation at St. Cecilia's in 2027 at St. Cecilia's please complete this form. Please ensure you have submitted your application form asap! (available on our website).  http://www.scgleniris.catholic.edu.au/   

For sibling enrolments for 2027:  Click Here

General Permissions (repeat)

We require general permissions from families regarding:

• Parent contact details shared with classroom reps.
• Use of student images on social media and in school publications.
• Other necessary school permissions.

This information is essential, and students may not be able to participate in certain activities without it. Please complete the General Permissions Google Form by Friday, February 14, via the link provided.

Parents Association

Introducing Our 2026 Parents Association Coordinators

I am pleased to share that Kirsty Twohill and Nick Yap will serve as our 2026 Parents Association Coordinators.

Kirsty is the mother of Isabelle in FG and Madeline in 1C. Nick is the father of Hannah in 1C and Ezra in 5/6I. Both bring energy, generosity, and a strong commitment to our community.

The Parents Association plays an important role in strengthening connections across the school. It supports community events, welcomes new families, and helps create the warm and inclusive spirit that defines our school.

Please join me in thanking Kirsty and Nick for stepping into this leadership role. I encourage you to introduce yourself, support their work, and become involved in the many opportunities that will arise throughout the year.

We will share more information including contact details and a list of 2026 dates and events shortly.

Please consider becoming a member, particularly if you are relatively new to our school community. We acknowledge that many of us have very busy lives and can’t commit too heavily, but on occasions throughout the year there will be opportunities aimed at various Year levels that require assistance. We will advertise and promote when these occasions are happening so that you can prepare and endeavour to contribute in any way you can. We will provide a contact person for all events that can guide your questions or offer assistance. 

Our first PA Meeting: Tuesday 10 March... more info to come, all welcome!

We look forward to a positive and connected 2026.

“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents.”

If you would like to know more or get involved in any capacity you can email our coordinators:  

• Kirsty Twohill    swiftylily@gmail.com 
• Nick Yap    yapnick@gmail.com 

Have a great weekend!

Marty McKenna

Principal

St Cecilia’s Primary School